Method and system for operating a modular heater to improve layer bonding in a metal drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) object printer

A method operates a three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing system to maintain a temperature of an uppermost layer of a 3D metal object being formed within a temperature range conducive for bonding between the uppermost layer and a next layer to be formed. A controller of the system compar...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Herrmann, Douglas K, Bryl, Derek A, Dergham, Ali R, Ruiz, Erwin, Atwood, Christopher D, Hoover, Linn C
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:A method operates a three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing system to maintain a temperature of an uppermost layer of a 3D metal object being formed within a temperature range conducive for bonding between the uppermost layer and a next layer to be formed. A controller of the system compares a temperature of the uppermost layer with at least a low end temperature of the temperature range and operates an electrical resistance switching network using 3D model data to provide electrical power selectively to heating elements in a modular heater to heat the 3D metal object being formed when the temperature indicated by the signal from the sensor is less than the predetermined temperature.